Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/10/2010

Question
hi.
I am currently studying a Nursing Science degree in Zimbabwe and i have always wanted to become an MD but wasnt able to get in with my A levels but i still want to but i am getting doubtful.
If i decide to do Medicine il become an MD at 28 and start specialising in either a surgical or anaesthesiology residency at 30...will i be too old?
Can i still become a world renowed clinician,something i have always wanted to be... ..I'm i being too zealous?!
i really want to be in threatre and be either the surgeon or anaesthesiologist..please help me and put my doubt to rest!
Thank You.

Answer
To answer your first question, 30 is not too. But if you become an MD at 28, you start your anesthesia (4 yrs) or surgery (5 yrs) residency immediately, so you will graduate at 32 or 33.

As for your second question, that is entirely up to you. To become a "world reknowned" physician would require you do something out of the ordinary so that you are requested to provide your expertise. Not many people rise to that level.


Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston